Balboa Park 'partnerships' scrutinized

Party planners touted deals that weren't inked

The Watchdog reported Monday that Balboa Park Celebration was lagging in its efforts planning for the 100th anniversary of the exposition, which drew millions of visitors to San Diego.

Among other problems, the nonprofit pushed back deadlines for key reports due last year, it has announced no corporate sponsors, more than one-third of the days in 2015 have no scheduled events and it just replaced its main producer.

Balboa Park supporters and volunteers complained that their ideas were ignored and they were excluded from planning meetings.

Hotelier William Evans, treasurer of the tourism district board, said he is unlikely to approve additional funding for the organization until it can show results.

“The Tourism Marketing District was set up to market specific programs,” he said. “We look forward to doing so if 2015 can demonstrate that it has a specific product they would like to market. I haven’t seen anything yet.”

One local nonprofit executive said he was happy to be included as a centennial partner. He has agreed verbally to add the Balboa Park Celebration logo to his marketing program.

“There’s no financial commitment, but if we are partnering to elevate the attractions and celebration of Balboa Park, which we are, then yes, we are a key partner,” said Ray Ashley of the San Diego Maritime Museum. “There’s a synergy that takes place when you do this. That’s really what we’re getting at.”